CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What does the 'R' in a route entry signify?

1. Remote route

2. Route code

3. Router ID

4. Route type

The correct answer is: Route code

The 'R' in a route entry signifies a route that is learned from a routing protocol. In many routing tables, routes are classified by a letter code that indicates how the route was learned or the method used to discover it. The 'R' specifically denotes a route that is learned through a routing protocol, such as RIP (Routing Information Protocol). When you see 'R' in a routing table, it tells you that the information about that particular route has been obtained dynamically, as opposed to being statically configured or learned from other sources like a directly connected network. This is important for network administrators to understand since it reflects the method of route discovery and maintenance, which can have implications for how the network topology changes and is managed. Understanding these designations helps in troubleshooting and optimizing network performance, as it provides insight into the routes being utilized and how they are derived.